Über-Tour 2014

1. Über-Tour2014 Meeting Wednesday March 19, 2014

2. 27 Days Left!!

3. Agenda 1. Emergency Texting and phone numbers 2. Converters 3. Rules and Regulations 4. Practical Advice • Packing Suggestions • Immunizations • Medical Issues • Money Reminders 9. Telephone cards

4. Agenda continued… 10. Hotel Information 11.Flight Information 12.Arrival Day 13.Weather in Geneva and Munich 14.Backpacks 15.Questions 16.Handouts and items from chaperones

5. Emergency Texting and phone numbers • FOR THIS TRIP WE WILL NOT HAVE A TELEPHONE CHAIN CHART INSTEAD I WILL SEND A GROUP TEXT IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES. THIS WAY YOU WILL NOT RELY ON ANYONE ELSE BUT ME, MADAME COMBA, TO DIRECTLY CONTACT YOU. YOU HAVE ALL JOINED MY REMIND 101 AND HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED MESSAGES. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A TEXT YET PLEASE SEE ME AFTER THE MEETING!!! • I will also be handing out the emergency number chart (final draft) to all parents this evening – you will get it from your child’s chaperone.

6. Converters • Trip participants who plan on using electric appliances such as hair dryers, electric shavers or curling irons need to obtain a converter. Because converter kits can be expensive, and every person does not need a kit, perhaps a room can arrange to have one or two converters maximum - most rooms won’t have enough outlets anyway. It is important to get a complete adapter kit – not simply the attachment that will work in individual countries. Also, converters reduce the strength of your appliances so items such as hair dryers will take longer than normal to work as will curling irons etc. Try to consolidate appliances per room. • We will need Types C and F for Germany and C and J for Switzerland.

8. Rules/Regulations • Participants may not acquire any “room charges” at any of the hotels. Any “in-room” purchases must be cash only. • Students may not leave any hotel unless accompanied by a supervisor. If students are leaving the hotel with a supervisor other than their designated group supervisor they must inform their designated group supervisor. • Participants must adhere to all schedule times, in particular the times for having bags outside of our rooms and the bus departure times. • Because our flight travel time will be about 14 hours (in total), participants are asked to drink plenty of water and to take short walks at regular intervals. • All participants are asked to ensure that their seat belts are fastened whenever they are seated on the planes.

9. Still more rules and regulations! • A voltage converter is required for all electric appliances (curling irons, ipods, razors, battery chargers, etc.). This is the responsibility of each participant. However, we do ask that students try to consolidate appliances per room (one straightener, one blow dryer, one charger, etc.). • All bags must be “tagged” with Evolve tags. You will receive these prior to our trip. This facilitates the collection of our bags by hotel staff when checking in and out (if this service is offered), getting on busses and trains, and identifying our luggage at airports. • All students must participate in all activities as designated by the trip itinerary. • As this is a school-sponsored curricular educational excursion, students are prohibited by Rocky View policy from consuming alcoholic beverages during the trip. • Room visits between genders are allowed, but the door to the hall must be left open while the visit is in place.

10. More… • CURFEW – is at 11pm – lights out and in bed, checks will be conducted • Students are responsible for, and must carry their own passports. However, if we spend a period of time in one place it is suggested that they lock their passports in the room or hotel safe. • Participants are responsible for the purchase of all lunches. • Participants are responsible for the purchase of all beverages beyond those provided with the meal. • POSSESSION – of illegal drugs and crimes will be punished by immediate dismissal from the trip and a return home at the expense of the participant – all participants are subject to the laws of the country they are visiting

11. More… • WHEREABOUTS – participants must inform their chaperone of their whereabouts AT ALL TIMES • CARRY – the names and telephone numbers of the hotels with you at all times (you will be given a card with this information at the airport – keep it in your wallet or purse at all times) • HOTEL ROOMS – are to be respected. Should anything be broken, you will be responsible for the costs and WILL pay before we leave! • PARTICIPANTS – must be with a group of at least 3 other people and use the buddy system!

12. Practical Advice • Make sure you can carry your luggage up several flights of stairs (it may be necessary) • Liquids - travelers cannot bring any liquids or gels through security checkpoints unless they are travel-sized (100 ml or less). Bottles of water are NOT permitted through the security check points at all. Check the CATSA web site for exact restrictions: http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/help_aide/faq/preparation_preparatifs.shtml • Consider packing small snacks (granola bars etc)

13. Packing Suggestions • Firstly – make sure that you have a comfortable pair of walking shoes! These should be broken in prior to our trip. • PACK what you think you want to take in one suitcase and one carry - on - then carry both pieces up and down a long flight of stairs for 10 minutes non-stop; if this is too much to carry, eliminate what you really don’t need ! • IDENTIFY your belongings with name and address tags and some sort of Canadian symbol (tag or patch). You will also get an EF tag that should be put on your suitcase. • Do not forget your digital camera and recharging chord. • PACK something to read on the plane. Also drink plenty of water or juice on the plane to prevent dehydration. • Compression socks are a good idea for long-haul flights to reduce blood clots and leg swelling – we arrive at 10 a.m. in Geneva and will be out and about after we land.

14. Packing suggestions continued… • Travel experts suggest that if you can’t wear something several times (except socks and underwear), don’t pack it. • Tag your luggage on the inside and out (in case your luggage tag gets torn off or your luggage gets lost). • Use space saving ideas such as if you pack a purse, fill it with items, stuff socks into shoes if you are bringing more than one pair. • We will have different color of ribbons on our luggage to identify them faster! Your chaperones will give these to you at the airport.

15. Packing Con’t • DO NOT PUT THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE – CARRY THEM ON WITH YOU: • Passport • Credit card • Money • Prescription meds / epi pens • Glasses / contacts (small amount of solution) • ANYTHING YOU CONSIDER IRREPLACABLE!!!

16. Packing Suggestions continued Consider bringing the following items with you: • A safe way of carrying money (neck or waist money bands) • Comfortable runners/shoes for a great deal of walking • Playing cards or other small games • Clothes in layers - a light rain jacket • Some snack bars such as granola bars, fruit bars or protein bars • A watch (preferably with alarm) • If you wear contacts, bring glasses as well (two pairs) • A plastic garbage bag or two for dirty laundry • A ball cap or hat • A small travel UMBRELLA • A POSITIVE, FLEXIBLE ATTITUDE !!!

17. Dress and Attire • Have the ability to layer your clothes as temperatures may range from 2oC to 25oC. • Arrange your wardrobe so several things can coordinate together • We will be doing a great deal of walking so ensure you have comfortable walking shoes/runners. • Europeans do tend to dress up more than North Americanson average

18. Sample Packing List • Copies of passport • Itinerary • Shirts • Undergarments • Sweatshirt / jacket / rain jacket / wind breaker • Alarm clock / watch • Sun block – depending on your sun-sensitivity • Hand sanitizer (gel or cloths) • Tissues (and maybe toilet paper) • Camera

19. Sample Con’t • Toiletries – shampoo, make up, deodorant etc.. • Glasses (eye / sun) • Spending money / cards • Comfy shoes • Shorts / pants / skirts • Pajamas • Umbrella • Swim suit!!! (one of the hotels has a pool)

20. Sample Con’t • DRESS IN LAYERS: • T-shirt, sweatshirt, rain jacket!!! • We will hand out a more detailed packing list at the end of the evening.

21. Medical Issues • Epi pens: Evolve asks that you bring 3 Epi pens. You will carry one yourself, one will be in the medical kit and one will be carried by the tour director. • AsthmaInhalers: Evolve asks that you bring 3 inhalers. You will carry one yourself, one will be in the medical kit and one will be carried by the tour director. • Advil/Tylenol etc. should be brought along in small quantities • If you have food allergies, please remind us at every meal so we can ensure that no illness will result – nuts are commonly used in European cuisine • Get rest when you can as the trip can be grueling at times • Eat when provided opportunities and ensure that you stay well-hydrated – buy bottled water or soft drinks.

22. Medical Issues • All of the chaperones have a list of student medical issues and dietary needs. • When you meet with your chaperone tonight they will go over what we have on file for medical concerns. Please go over this with the chaperone. It is important information that will help your child if we have a medical emergency.

23. Medical Issues – Personal First Aid CHAPERONES WILL ALL CARRY A FIRST AID KIT BUT WE ALSO SUGGEST THAT STUDENTS HAVE THEIR OWN KITS WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE: • PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION • TUMS • ADVIL/TYLENOL/ASPIRIN • BAND AIDS • BENADRYL • POLYSPORIN • PINK-EYE DROPS • IMODIUM • GRAVOL • REHYDRATION CRYSTALS/POWDER • SORE THROAT LOZENGES (HALLS) • COLD MEDICATION • SUNSCREEN AND ALOE VERA FOR BURNs

24. Immunizations At this point you should be up to date with your immunizations or be in the process of taking them. There are no immunizations that you must have byond the standard immunizations issued by government health agencies. Some of the suggested immunizations are: • Government of Canada has issued a Global Measles Health Update, so make sure yours is up to date. • Government of Canada has issued a notice of the possible presence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). (Rare) • Tick-borne Encephalitis (Rare)

25. General Travel Guidelines for Health • Wash hands frequently. Take along hand sanitizer or wipes for the times you are unable to get to a sink. Consider getting a flu shot. • Drink bottled water or soft drinks. Tap water is potable (drinkable). • Depending on your sun sensitivity, you may want to use sunscreen and wear a hat to avoid sun burn.

26. General Travel Guidelines for Health Influenza/Flu – rest when given the opportunity and wash your hands often. Measles – make sure that you are up to date on your immunizations Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – the report is that this MAY be in Germany, but it is a very small chance and has symptoms similar to the flu. Take the same precautions as the flu.

27. Money Reminder • Participants should have their Swiss Francs and Euros in hand before leaving. • You know your son/daughter best, discuss with them their budget per day and explain that it is important they follow that or they will run out of money. • I am going to exchange $200 CAD into Swiss Francs and Euros each, which is about 157 CHF and 130 Euros.

28. Money Reminders • Once we are settled, pack money in various places so that you don’t have it all on you in one place, do not put in your back pockets!!!!!! • Make sure to have a safe place for your money and credit/debit cards.

29. Money Reminders When carrying your money: • Can keep money in various spots in luggage, or in the hotel safety deposit boxes • Girls hold purses tight to the side or have cross body bags • Boys put wallet in front pocket • Can have credit card / debit card as well as cash

30. Telephone Cards • Phone calls or other personal expenses incurred in the hotels are the students responsibility to pay the night before departure • We recommend that calls home are for emergencies only. • Email may be a better way to communicate when “free” time is available. Hostels and hotel have internet and Wi-Fi.

31. Hotel Information Hostel in Geneva (Days 2, 3 and 4): City Hostel Geneva: www.cityhostel.ch

32. Hotel Information Lucerne (day 5): Luzern Youth Hostel www.youthhostel.ch/de/hostels/luzern

33. Hotel Information Hotel in Munich (Days 6 thru 10) To Be Announced – address will be handed to students once new hotel is booked

34. Hotels and Rooming We have already created your rooming and chaperone lists. Be aware that rooming may change upon arrival –be prepared for this emotionally. We do our best to keep friends together, and to place you with people that you know.

35. Flight Information

36. Pre-flight Information • MAKE SURE BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME THAT YOU HAVE YOUR PASSPORT AND VARIOUS FORMS OF CURRENCY (Francs, Euros, debit card and/or credit card) WITH YOU!!! • Due to the size of the group, all trip participants are responsible for getting to the airport ON TIME, themselves April 15, 2014. • Participants need to arrive at the airport AT LEAST 3 HOURS prior to departure: • Flight leaves at 10:15 am, so you need to BE THERE by 7:15 a.m • The entire group should meet in front of group check-in (on departure level). Find Mr. Sawchuk or your chaperone! • Because we are here so early please make sure you have some Canadian dollars along as well as some munchies. • WHEN AT THE AIRPORT, WATCH YOUR BAGS AND BELONGINGS AT ALL TIMES – NEVER LEAVE THEM UNATTENDED!!!!!

37. MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOUSE WITH YOUR PASSPORT AND VARIOUS FORMS OF CURRENCY!!!!!!!

38. Luggage • Make sure your luggage is within the weight/size restrictions as follows:

39. Travel Geneva-Lucerne-Munich • We will be travelling by coach bus between cities • We will also be using the train for short day trips from Munich

40. YYC Check in – Tuesday April 15 CHAPERONES will: • check your passports • check that the passports are signed • give baggage ribbon and get you to tie them on • once your group is together, get you checked in YOU will: • make sure you have your passport and your money • will watch your belongings

41. Airplane Etiquette • moving around in the cabin: participants should be respectful of others’ and others’ space in the aircraft. This means trying to stay in your own seat, not cutting through other peoples’ area etc. • WHEN CHECKING IN, DON’T WORRY ABOUT YOUR SEAT ASSIGNMENT; YOU CAN SWITCH LATER ON DURING THE FLIGHT

42. Arrival Day • Rest / relax on the plane as the time change will be difficult. When you arrive, your tour directors will meet you outside of customs. Be sure to have your passport and visa ready to present to the officials. • This day will be challenging, depending on when you arrive to your destination – which is 10:05 AM!!! • This means that we will be active and doing some touring that same day! • SO, make sure you eat and drink lots of water, as it is easy to become dehydrated!

43. Coming Home – April 25 • YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING YOURSELVES HOME FROM THE AIRPORT, PARENTS PLEASE BE ON TIME SO WE CAN ALL GO HOME FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S REST. • We arrive at 6:18 PM • We go back to school Monday! Luckily you have Saturday and Sunday to recover before heading back to school!

44. Helpful Concluding Tips • We will be visiting popular areas of Geneva, Lucerne and Munich. The crowds will be dense and “always there”. Remember the “rule of three” and go nowhere alone. • Guard against pickpockets and purse snatchers by carrying your day pack or purse across your chest, especially on public transit, on escalators, or moving platforms or in crowd

45. Tips Con’t • Keep each days spending money separate from your main bankroll so you don’t have to “dig” for funds in a public place. Consider wearing a money belt or pouch under your clothes – I know it is not cool and can be uncomfortable and look funny but it WORKS. And no “fanny packs!” • Your bank card will work at ABM’s – if it is has a 4 digit pin number and is a cheque account. Credit card is also a good option!!

46. Tips Con’t • Use the washroom whenever you have the chance; especially on long travel days. Public bathrooms are generally kept clean, but just as it is in Canada, they are not always available and some are less desirable to use than others.

47. Tips Con’t • Fill the corners of your suitcase with cereal bars, other snacks, flashlight, travel alarm clock. Put snacks in your carry on as well for the flight along with some books/magazine – can always switch with others in flight. • Keep phone calls to a minimum – no news is good news! Email may be best way when time or ask about international cell phones.

48. Tips Con’t • Any room charges you incur overnight have to be cleared, by you, before any of us leave each morning. So stay out of the mini-bar – if there is one. You won’t be popular if you and your room mates get into a big argument at 7:30 am over who had all the pop and now owe money! • Think carefully about the contents of your carry on! NO LIQUIDS!

49. Tips Con’t • Any pressurized, aerosol-type product is best left at home. If you do take it, leave in checked bag (and this subject to inspection and possible confiscation) – put it into a zip-lock bag in case it explodes. • All make-up and mascara is considered a “liquid” and could be taken away. Put in checked luggage!

50. Insurance You have all purchased RVSchools Insurance. The policy is available on the Uber-Tour website at: www.uber-tour2014.weebly.com (no password)